Deputy Fire Chief: Strategic Ops & Admin Leader

City of Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Berkeley invites applications for the Deputy Fire Chief position in the Fire Department. This role leads one of two major divisions in Operations or Administrative/Support, reporting to the Fire Chief and guiding Battalion Chiefs, Assistant Fire Chiefs, and a Fire Captain.

It includes policy setting, training oversight, and emergency response readiness. The Deputy Fire Chief provides executive leadership, manages cross‑departmental initiatives, and may assume Acting Fire Chief duties

Qualifications

• Possession of a B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited college or university.
• Equivalent of one year of full-time experience as a chief officer in a paid fire department.
• Substitution for a Bachelor's degree: possession of an A.A. or A.S. degree with the California State Fire Training Chief Officer Certification.
• Other requirements include the ability to travel to various locations within and outside the City of Berkeley to meet program needs; valid California Class C (or higher) driver's license and satisfactory driving record; willingness for off hours call-in; and physical fitness for emergency response.

Responsibilities

• Oversee emergency operations, Training Division, EMS Division, and Logistics Division; provide executive leadership to Battalion Chiefs and other senior staff.
• Establish operational priorities and performance expectations; coordinate promotional development and examination processes.
• Oversee first responder and ambulance transport programs, including QA/QI efforts; manage maintenance, replacement, and readiness of major fire apparatus and resources.
• May serve as Acting Fire Chief in the Fire Chief’s absence; build relationships with city leadership and regional partners.

Education

Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.)

AA/AS degree with CSFT Chief Officer Certification

Job description

The City of Berkeley invites applications for the Deputy Fire Chief position in the Fire Department. This role leads one of two major divisions in Operations or Administrative/Support, reporting to the Fire Chief and guiding Battalion Chiefs, Assistant Fire Chiefs, and a Fire Captain.

It includes policy setting, training oversight, and emergency response readiness. The Deputy Fire Chief provides executive leadership, manages cross‑departmental initiatives, and may assume Acting Fire Chief duties